Free DIY Reptile Cage

Reptile cages are used for snakes, lizards and other small reptile pets. Reptile cages are often made out of wood. Plywood and pine work well for these types of cages. Pine is a softer wood that is easy to work with but is also strong enough for reptile cages. An adequate cage will be durable and allow easy access to the creature. Building your own reptile cage will be less expensive than buying one from the store.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
2 pine boards, 1-by-8-by-12-inches
Pine board, 1-by-8-by-14-inches
Plywood, 1/4-inch, 12 1/2-by-14-inches
Plywood, 1/4-inch, 13-by-14-inches
Acrylic sheet, 1/8-by-8-by-12 1/2-inches
Table saw, w/fence
Screw gun
10 wood screws, 2 1/2-inch

Instructions

- 1
  Set the fence on the table saw so it is 3/8 inch away from the blade and raise the blade 1/4 inch above the table. Run each 12-inch board across the blade with its end against the fence so you have a groove at the end of each board that is 3/8 inch away from the end of the board. The groove will be 1/8 inch wide and 1/4 inch deep.
- 2
  Set the two 12-inch boards on edge so they are parallel and spaced 12 inches apart. The grooves should be facing each other and aligned. Set the 14-inch board perpendicularly against the ends of these boards, opposite the ends with the grooves so the corners are flush. Screw the 14-inch board to the 12-inch board using four screws.
- 3
  Set the 12 1/2-by-14-inch plywood on top of the boards so the 14-inch edge is flush with the 14-inch board. The 12 1/2-inch edges should also be flush. Screw the plywood to the boards using six screws. This is your cage frame.
- 4
  Turn the cage frame over and screw the last sheet plywood to the boards so all of the edges are flush. Use six screws. This is the base to your cage.
- 5
  Turn the cage over again and slide the acrylic in between the grooves created in the first step. This will give you access to the inside of the cage as well as a view to the inside of the frame.